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Diane Sawyer, World News Anchor

Forbes’ 73rd most powerful woman is ABC World News Anchor Diane Sawyer – the second newswoman in the elite list to be featured in our Leadership blog.

Hmm… 46 years in the industry, and probably has the most number of exclusive interviews with dignitaries? So, this could be why she’s ranked higher than Greta Van Susteren. Well, sometimes, writing about such individuals is pretty tough – considering how long Sawyer has been in her profession. After all, what will we talk about her? Whom she has interviewed? The rating of her shows?

Frankly, that would then be quite boring. See, would it matter especially to ordinary people on whom you talked to other than singers or actors? Unless there’s a crisis or has something to do with the economy or one’s own life – only then would people be interested in these (of course news is a different story).

Yet these exactly are the factors that pushed Sawyer into this select group. From interviewing heads-of-state to important government officials to renown celebrities. Must be one of the most respected television journalists to be able to get their time.

And that explains it all.

While Van Susteren could boast of being the most watched woman on cable news, which speaks of her influence, Diane Sawyer justifies her position in the “food chain” as Miss Exclusive.

Still, the question of the day would be: “How do you get to be a respected journalist?”

Be Constantly Visible

As media, you are expected to be visible. Then, you should learn to ask intelligent questions or be a good communicator. When you establish yourself with such reputation, you get those meaty assignments.

This then results to news and recognition not just within your organization but even outside your industry. The reward – you attract power connections. You get a boost in your influence meter, and in your career.

Power connections, by the way, does not necessarily mean high-ranking officials or executives – but people who could and would really help you advance – and in Sawyer’s case, it’s just that she had the best of both worlds, so to say.

Now, actually, a great portion of this advice is also applicable even to those outside the media industry. However, for those who have overlooked the idea of networking with ordinary people – well, do not. Remember? It’s the followers that could “make-or-break” a Leader.